Mariners vs Blue Jays ALCS Game 1: Odds, Prediction, TV

The Seattle Mariners are heading to the American League Championship Series after an epic, marathon 15-inning victory over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Their next opponent? The Toronto Blue Jays, who are making their first ALCS appearance since 2016.

This clash marks just the second-ever postseason meeting between these two clubs. The first was the 2022 Wild Card Series, which Seattle swept.

The Mariners are chasing their first-ever World Series berth. The Blue Jays are riding a wave of offensive firepower, so this matchup could deliver high drama and maybe even some historic moments.

Setting the Stage: Mariners vs. Blue Jays

The ALCS kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 12, at Rogers Centre in Toronto. Bryce Miller gets the ball for Seattle, while Toronto sends out ace Kevin Gausman.

DraftKings oddsmakers currently favor the Blue Jays at -158. The Mariners are underdogs at +134.

Both teams have strong narratives heading in, but their paths couldn’t be more different.

Seattle’s Marathon Victory and Pitching Concerns

Seattle’s Game 5 against Detroit tested everyone’s endurance. The Mariners used multiple starters and relievers throughout those 15 innings, stretching their pitching staff thin.

This fatigue could matter as they open the ALCS just days later. It might impact bullpen decisions and how long starters can last.

Manager Scott Servais will need to get creative to maximize what he’s got on the mound. The Mariners have shown plenty of resilience, but that ALDS grind could linger into the early ALCS games.

Offensive Firepower: Toronto’s Advantage

The Blue Jays land in the ALCS with plenty of momentum after a dominant showing against the Yankees. In just four games, Toronto scored 34 runs, flexing the kind of offensive depth that ranks them third in MLB OPS this season.

Their lineup really doesn’t offer many easy outs, and it’s anchored by one of the league’s most feared hitters.

Key Toronto Bats to Watch

Toronto’s offensive core is as dangerous as it gets:

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – A consistent power threat with elite plate discipline.
• George Springer – A proven postseason performer whose leadership and clutch hitting can change games.
• Daulton Varsho – Brings defensive versatility alongside steady offensive contributions.
• Alejandro Kirk – Offers contact hitting and on-base skills, rounding out the lineup.

Against a Mariners pitching staff that’s already worked overtime, this group could cash in early.

Seattle’s Road Resilience

While Toronto’s offense grabs the spotlight, Seattle has thrived away from home all season. Their road offense is powered by an unlikely hero: their catcher.

Cal Raleigh’s Historic Power Surge

Cal Raleigh has emerged as one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball, blasting 60 home runs this season. His mix of raw power and ability to handle a pitching staff makes him invaluable.

Raleigh’s bat will be a big factor for Seattle, especially in a loud Rogers Centre. Beyond Raleigh, Seattle’s lineup can grind out at-bats, generate runs in bunches, and pounce on mistakes—even if their pitching isn’t as fresh as they’d like.

Series Outlook and Predictions

This series feels like it could be a classic. Toronto’s offensive juggernaut meets Seattle’s road-tested resilience and postseason grit.

Both teams have plenty on the line: the Blue Jays want to end nearly three decades without a World Series appearance, and the Mariners are desperate to finally reach the Fall Classic.

What Experts Are Saying

CBS Sports thinks the Blue Jays will win in seven games. They’re basically saying this series could go the full distance.

On paper, Toronto looks stronger. But Seattle’s got heart, grit, and seems to always come through in big moments, so every game could turn into a fight.

For fans, the ALCS is way more than just another playoff round. It’s all these tangled-up storylines, strengths, and that desperate hunger for making history.

Whether you trust the stats or just have a gut feeling, get ready for tight games and wild, dramatic moments. Extra innings? Wouldn’t be a shock at all.

Game 1 starts Sunday, Oct. 12, in Toronto. Buckle up—it’s going to be a fight.

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